Yukimi Nagano, the captivating voice and co-founder of Swedish electro-pop band Little Dragon, is stepping into the solo spotlight with her debut album For You, set for release on March 28, 2025, via Ninja Tune. Following last year’s intimate debut single “Break Me Down,” Yukimi continues to explore new creative depths with two freshly unveiled tracks, “Sad Makeup” and “Winter Is Not Dead.”
Describing For You as “a force to connect people to each other and step away from the madness of everything on the planet right now,” Yukimi views this project as an opportunity for unfiltered expression. The 13-track album blends elements of jazz, soul, electro-pop, hip hop, and psychedelia, creating a genre-fluid journey through themes of love, resilience, and introspection. “I’m excited about embarking on this journey on my own—the expression really feels pure,” Yukimi shared in a statement.
The single “Sad Makeup” reveals Yukimi’s stripped-down, soulful side, delving into the struggle of managing emotions. “I wrote a song called ‘Sad Makeup’ about those days when you try to push down and control a sad feeling. The more I try to control it, the more it’s felt by others around me, growing bigger as an energy,” Yukimi explained. The track’s introspective tone is complemented by its folky instrumentation, offering a raw and relatable look at emotional vulnerability.
With its lush orchestration and evocative lyrics, “Winter Is Not Dead” captures the stark beauty of Yukimi’s Scandinavian roots. Reflecting on the region’s long, dark winters, Yukimi likens the season to a period of personal growth. “The lack of light brings many of us down. At the same time, underground, life thrives. Microbes stay busy breaking down organic matter, recycling nutrients and improving the soil, quietly preparing for spring. I also grow during my personal winter seasons, even though things might feel dead on the surface,” she shared. “Wheels turn as I transform and move through it, getting ready for spring and summer.”
For You also showcases Yukimi’s collaborative spirit, featuring contributions from Lianne La Havas (“Stream of Consciousness”), De La Soul’s Pos (“Jaxon”), and Yukimi’s father, Yusuke Nagano (“Feels Good to Cry”). The album’s lead single, “Break Me Down,” co-written with Erik Bodin and Lianne La Havas, marked a pivotal moment for Yukimi as she embraced a more personal and feminine creative process.
As fans anticipate the March release of For You, Yukimi’s transition to solo artistry promises an exciting new chapter in her musical journey. While traces of Little Dragon’s signature sound remain, Yukimi’s solo work reveals an intimate, transformative side of the artist. You can listen to “Sad Makeup” and “Winter Is Not Dead” streaming now.
